‘I’ll be out there’: Taylor Adams on track to play qualifying final

Collingwood midfielder Taylor Adams is confident he will return from a groin injury to play against Geelong in Saturday’s qualifying final if he gets through Tuesday and Thursday’s training sessions without a hiccup.

The noted finals’ performer said he had “made good progress” in the past 10 days as he stepped up his training having missed the final three games of the season having aggravated the groin against Port Adelaide in round 20.

“As long as nothing stirs me back up again I’ll be out there Saturday,” Adams said.

Taylor Adams’ return against Geelong will be a bonus as he is a good finals player.Credit:Getty Images

Adams was in the coaches’ votes when the Magpies met Geelong in round three and is outstanding in the contest and an excellent clearance player, one who shapes as vital to their ability to match the opposition in those areas in the finals.

When he was originally subbed out against Port Adelaide he was confident the injury was minor, but it has taken more time than he expected to overcome the problem as Collingwood struggled to identify exactly what was causing the soreness.

“It’s more an overload injury than a specific tear or strain. I saw it as an opportunity to try to get fit and strong, so I feel like if I am able to play this week and deal with the pain and manage that then I feel like I am in really good condition to actually come out and have an impact,” Adams said.

The 28-year-old vice-captain said watching the final game against Carlton from the grandstand was a struggle as he knew along with everyone else that a top-four spot rested on the result, which added even more certainty to the fact he would play at least one final.

“That belief that the group has to just keep coming, I feel that as a spectator. It’s been a roller-coaster the past couple of weeks but enjoyable, nonetheless,” Adams said.

Adams said Collingwood’s ability to apply pressure was higher than it had been at any other time in his time at the Magpies, which was sure to stand the team in good stead in the finals.

“We’re only playing guys that bring elite pressure and that’s one of the mandatory requirements for our players to walk on the park in the Collingwood jumper, to bring pressure and be willing to fight and never give up,” Adams said.

“The good teams put a lot of pressure on and we have been able to do that this year.”

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